Lifeboats rescue almost 1,000 people in 2008

A “HOLLYWOOD moment” when a lifeboat crew saved three fishermen seconds before their vessel sunk was among more than 800 incidents involving sea rescues in Ireland last year.

Figures from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) show that during 2008 almost 1,000 people were rescued during 863 lifeboat crew launches — the equivalent of 19 people every week.

Among the busiest of the 43 lifeboat stations based throughout the Republic and Northern Ireland were Dun Laoghaire in south Dublin and Crosshaven in Cork, which each rescued 57 people.

Howth in north Dublin (49 rescues) and the Arranmore Island, off Donegal, (37 rescues) also reported high call-out rates, while 12 other stations on Irish coasts each saved more than 30 people during 2008.

However, RNLI deputy divisional inspector Gareth Morrison said the most memorable moment from last year was the remarkable rescue off Rosslare in Wexford on 17 August, when three fishermen’s lives were saved seconds before their vessel sunk.

“The one I remember most is Rosslare.

“It happened at 5.20am on August 17 and it was one of those real Hollywood rescues,” said Mr Morrison.

“The three fishermen were a good bit off shore, they’d had some trouble connected with a machinery failure and their vessel was going under.

“The Rosslare crew went out, they knew the seriousness of it, and just as they arrived they saw the vessel going under.

“If they’d arrived even five minutes later the fishermen would have been in real trouble.

“Without doubt three lives were saved that time,” he said.

The figures from the RNLI, which is staffed by volunteers, also indicate that during 2008 approximately 60 fewer distress calls were made to the service than in 2007 — an issue the organisation said is related to its safety awareness initiatives, the poor weather during the summer months, and an increase in fuel prices last year which reduced the number of people taking to the sea.

However, despite the rescues and overall reduction in calls, the RNLI has also confirmed that a large number of fatalities were still recorded last year.

In order to help prevent the loss of life this year, the group has organised a charity RNLI SOS day to help raise further funds — the fifth year of the event.

An estimated €100,000 is expected to be raised as part of the events.

Details of are available from www.rnli.ie/sos or 1800789589.